BAKED SWEET POTATO
MOUSSE
I concocted this combination of oranges, rai
sins, and allspice to complement, but not mask,
the sweet potato’s creamy sweetness. The result
is akin to a delicately textured mousse packed
with interesting fl avors.
SERVES 6
¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1 tablespoon raisins
3 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar
(^3) ⁄ 8 teaspoon ground allspice
2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and roughly
chopped
⅛ teaspoon salt
½ cup yogurt cheese (see page 290)
½ teaspoon freshly grated orange zest
1 tablespoon slivered almonds
For the Garnish
Edible flowers, such as pansies, nasturtiums,
and bachelor buttons
Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Spray a 10-inch
round ovenproof baking dish with cooking
spray.
Warm the orange juice in a small saucepan
over medium heat. Add the raisins, 2 table
spoons of the brown sugar, and ⅛ teaspoon of
the allspice. Mix and set aside to let the raisins
soak while the potatoes are cooking.
Put the potatoes and salt in a large saucepan,
cover with water, and bring to a boil. Boil 15
minutes or until very soft. Drain the cooking
liquid and return the potatoes to the pan. Cover
the potatoes with a clean dishtowel and place
over very low heat for 5–10 minutes or until the
potatoes have a dry, fl oury appearance.
Mash with a potato masher and add the yo
gurt cheese, remaining ¼ teaspoon of allspice,
and orange zest. Drain the raisins, reserving the
liquid, and set aside to use for garnish. Add the
liquid to the potatoes and stir until smooth.
Spread the mashed potatoes in the prepared
baking dish. Press the potatoes with the tines of
a fork to create a ridged texture, and sprinkle
the top with the remaining 1 tablespoon of
brown sugar and the almonds. Bake 15 minutes,
until a thin-bladed knife will come out clean.
To serve, scoop a portion of the potato
mousse onto a dessert plate and top with a few
of the plumped raisins. Set an edible fl ower
alongside.
Per serving : 231 calories, 1 g fat, 0 g saturated fat, 30 g
carbohydrate, 2 g protein, 2 g dietary fiber, 92 mg so
dium. Exchanges: 2 Carbohydrate
MASHED SWEET POTATOES
Some plants contain many calories and great
nutrients. Because of this, a smaller portion
can provide great benefits. You’ll find this por
tion small but so delicious!
SERVES 4
4 small to medium orange sweet potatoes
2 teaspoons fresh thyme or ¾ teaspoon dried
250 • GROWING AT THE SPEED OF LIFE